To say blogging is just writing is like saying cooking is just mac&cheese.
It’s not.
I mean, blogging is writing. And cooking is mac&cheese. But there’s so much more. Once you add picture taking and editing, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest – just to name a few), networking with other bloggers and potential advertisers, linky parties, etc., blogging becomes less about writing and more about . . .
stuff. for lack of a better word.
So What?
A fair question.
Why am I writing all this? Because over the last year and a half, blogging has become less about writing and more about stuff for me. I like writing. I don’t like the associated stuff. I’ve found it’s so easy to compare my social media numbers with other bloggers’ numbers. And I don’t like it. I don’t like it because no matter where you rank in the comparison game, you can’t win. There will always be someone better than you.
The bigger deal for me, though, is the time it takes just to create a post. Seriously, this is a big time commitment. Even if I cut out a lot of the social media and networking, simple picture editing and writing takes quite a bit of time.
Whatcha Gonna Do?
Another fair question.
I’m still going to blog. I enjoy blogging. There are many things I enjoy about it – the writing, the creative motivation it gives me, and the online friendships I have made because of it. But the biggest thing I’m going to change is my expectation of myself. I have to put it in writing so that I can come back to these things later on, so here you go:
- I will live first and blog later. Translation: This summer, Jonathan and I will take our teens to camp for a week, then take them on a missions trip for 9 days, then be heavily involved in Bible Adventure Week at our church. And sometime after that, we are hoping to go on vacation. I will not pressure myself to post during those weeks, schedule posts ahead of time, or recruit guest bloggers. I will live first. And if I have time to blog later, I might do that too.
- I will continue to use blogging as my creative outlet. I love to create. I love to decorate. I love the inspiration and motivation I receive from blogging. Definitely don’t want to lose that.
- I will write posts because I love them, not just to meet my personal deadline. Now, I realize that might sound crazy to use the word “deadline” when blogging is not my job. But when I began this blog (1 1/2 years ago) I made it my goal to post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Usually I write posts in advance and schedule them ahead of time. But sometime I’ll write a post because “gahh!! I need to do a post for tomorrow!!” – and it won’t be good. Not the pictures, not the writing…nada. Because I’m doing it just to keep up the schedule, not because I really love what I wrote. I want to create content that is both inspirational and beautiful.
So, that’s the plan. You okay with that? In the end, I’ve gotta do what’s best for me and the fam.
I don’t want to be blogging my life away and miss moments like this:
Oh whoops.
Wrong pic.
Wait…
here’s the one I was looking for:
Love it. Can’t wait for the freedom I know I will feel once I hit “publish.”
Comments
11 responses to “Live Now. Blog Later.”
Exactly what I’ve been thinking lately. If I leave out the “living,” I’m bored to tears blogging. I’ve been trying lately to just blog when I really feel I have something to blog about. Gone are the days of rushing to Goodwill to buy something just so I can do a thrifty post 🙂 I know, pitiful, but hey we’re being honest here, right?! I’m excited about all the things y’all have going for the summer, sounds like a wonderful time with the kids and the Lord. Hugs ~ Mary
Very well said, and a timely reminder for me. Blogging is my only “creative” outlet- Im not a scrap-booker or a DIYer, etc, so creating blog posts, taking and editing photos, etc, is my “craft”. But the truth is, as you very well point out, it is TIME consumin. good gravy. I have created a new rule that I only blog after my daughter goes to bed and everything is done, but that doesnt leave me a lot of mental or physical energy left, so I dont blog as much as Id like to (or I stay up way too late and dont have the energy left the next day).
And I also hear you about carnivals. I started taking part in them this spring as a way to meet other bloggers, but it started to get crazy with the time. I developed a list and now I just cut and paste the list and in then each morning I take a few minutes to link up and check a few posts from the carnival, but Ive put a moratoriam on any new carnivals for the time being.
And the other thing is…. I absolutely refuse to compare myself to other bloggers, or obsess over stats, or try to make my posts fit a certain mold to get more viewers, or hawk other peoples stuff for money. Not going to do it. Blogging is about creativity and community and encouragement for me, and thats it. I do have to pray and ask the Lord to keep me focused on him first and family second and blogging further down on the list (which can be hard when its your “play” time), but so far I think the rules Ive put in place are helping.
All that to say- good for you, and I look forawrd to whatever posts come down the pike this summer. Your readers will be here.. so go live life! 🙂
My turn to say it. I wuv you!
You’ve just penned the thoughts that I’ve been mulling over the past months. And you know the results of that *end of self-inflicted schedule* Because really truly my work is with my family.
I’m still glad I get to write about things that interest/benefit my personal goals instead of “comparing” with others.
I love the pictures you posted. Especially the first one of Nate. It’s so raw. Precious!
🙂
Blessings to you as you prioritize your family and embrace what you really want! Sometimes, we think we know what we want and find ourselves trapped in something it was never meant to be. I tried blogging over a year ago, and it quickly became a monster I hated. I was doing things for other people, and the more readers I acquired, the more I felt I HAD to keep doing it the same way “for them.” Finally, I quit, started again a year later, and this time, I’m keeping it simple (no linky parties, no advertising, etc), writing when I can, and not feeling guilty when I can’t. I’m having a blast. Enjoy the freedom! I’m sure we will all feel it when we read the posts you do in the future.
Good for you!! Enjoy the ‘little years’ – they go by so fast! I will enjoy your posts ” whenever & wherever” ! 🙂
awww, my nephew has those 2 bottom teeth too – none on top yet. 🙂
Support you 100% – live life, then blog! 🙂 If I had two little ones as cute as yours I don’t think I could publish a post a week 😉 So enjoy it 🙂
I will always read your blog whether you post 3x or 1x a week and whether you do it as a hobby or are trying to grow it. 🙂 Your writing style inspires me to write better 🙂
and yes, I am thankful for the friendships that blogging has brought – one of highlights of blogging for me!! 🙂 one of these days we will actually get together IRL and not just online 🙂
I totally use too many smiley faces when I write – woahhhh! the post above looks like a toddler had fun with smiley face stickers:) see I just can’t stop 😉
oh, forgot to say, I loved your analogies. Blogging is so much more than writing even though David would probably be fine if my cooking was just mac & cheese! 🙂
Love this post so much. I agree on every word you said and pics. This is So true in the life of a wife-mom who blogs. 🙂
Bingo! Do one thing well or several things poorly. Life IS the one thing…life = God + people (a.k.a. 1st & 2nd great commandments)! There are no re-runs on family…children grow so quickly. The days (&nights) may sometimes seem long, but the years are SHORT! Despite mistakes, the goal is no regrets. Some people never learn to say no to good things in order to keep saying yes to the best. I recommend the book, Margin, by Dr. Richard Swenson, a Christian physician who teaches us a lot about overload.
I totally understand your situation about needing to blog less. Time seems to pass by in the blink of an eye especially when one is so busy. Definitely slow down and enjoy your family:).
I also wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog. For me looking at blogs is the equivilant of looking through magazines to get ideas and inspiration. Your blog has given me those ideas and inspiration. You have done a good job at keeping it professional looking and your posts are usually quite creative. And if I ever need to refer to a blog post it is quite easy to find that past post because your blog is so well organized.
I will still follow along…whenever you do share–love reading your blog posts!
I know I’ve taken a step back from it these past few weeks myself (and I haven’t even been at it nearly as long as you have!). I LOVE how you put it and it serves as such a great reminder : “Live now. Blog later.” Thanks for sharing! =)